Depending on which news sources you follow, Milwaukee is going through either a “renaissance” or a “reinvention.” Or maybe it’s a “reboot” or a “reimagining,” like that crappy Tim Burton version of Planet Of The Apes. However you want to define it, it’s safe to say that Milwaukee is currently building a lot of new shit.
• That proposed 14-story, 220-room hotel on top of the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center? It’s getting closer to becoming a thing. Urban Milwaukee reports that there’s been some “haggling” with the Historic Preservation Commission, however, over the fate of 20 stained-glass windows that no one seems to know about:
You’re forgiven if you’ve never noticed the stained glass windows; at least one of the commissioners was in the same boat. Said Commissioner Patti Keating Kahn during the meeting: “when I drive past the building I cannot see stained glass. The building is so dark.” She’s right, they’re barely visible because they’re covered by a dark plate glass. Yet, interior photos shown by historic preservation staff member Tim Askin show a number of colorful windows, most notably in a second-floor chapel space. [Urban Milwaukee]
• Potawatomi Hotel & Casino wants to add a second tower to its ever-expanding hotel and casino complex, this one with 119 rooms. Pending approval, the 19-story addition would open in the spring of 2019. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• An expansive apartment building project in Brewers Hill recently won the approval of the City Plan Commission. The project was originally meant to include two four-story buildings with 84 units, but has since been modified to a four-building complex with 30 larger units. According to Urban Milwaukee, “the apartments would be divided between three of the buildings and the fourth building would have a clubhouse and community space for the residents.” [Urban Milwaukee]
• They’re gonna build a 24-story high-rise in the Park East corridor. No word yet on what it’ll be used for. [Milwaukee Business Journal]
• A “momentous conversion” is being promised for the 12-story Wells Fargo Bank building at 735 W. Wisconsin Ave. 3L Real Estate recently purchased the building, and will convert it into “a residential building, complete with amenities that are sought after by the growing market of renters who value the attractions and vibrancy of city centers.” [Urban Milwaukee]
• Construction has begun on a new six-story, 150-room Hyatt Place hotel on the eastern end of The Brewery. The hotel is expected to open next spring. [Urban Milwaukee]
• A proposed six-story, 107-unit apartment building in the arena district received a “cautious thumbs up” from the City Plan Commission. At question was the building’s affordability for low-income residents, and whether or not the developer will use low-income housing tax credits. [Urban Milwaukee]
• MillerCoors had a groundbreaking ceremony for its $50 million 10th Street Brewery expansion. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett showed up, shovels and hardhats in tow. [Urban Milwaukee]
• OH GOD THEY’RE STARTING TO LAY TRACK FOR THE 3.9-MILE DOWNTOWN STREETCAR LINE. [Milwaukee Business Journal]